WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2001—The media response to today’s report by University of Pennsylvania researchers in the journal Science illustrates how a very narrow scientific study can be wildly over- interpreted in irresponsible, sensationalized news stories, creating consumer confusion.

Just last year the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, completed a comprehensive review of the benefits and safety of vitamin C. They considered all available studies, including many similar to the one reported today, and concluded that vitamin C is safe in intakes up to 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. The Food and Nutrition Board considered all types of studies and concluded that (1) there is no evidence of vitamin C causing DNA damage or other oxidative harm in humans, although (2) under artificial conditions it can accelerate certain reactions that might be harmful if they occurred under practical conditions in living cells. Also, as a result of this review, the Food and Nutrition Board increased the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin C for all adults.

The lead researcher in the University of Pennsylvania study, Dr. Ian Blair, is quoted in the press as having said, "Absolutely for God’s sake don’t say vitamin C causes cancer." Many of the media reports, however, proceed to do exactly that.

The study reported today used very artificial conditions and not any biological system. The researchers added vitamin C, a well-established antioxidant, directly to the chemical byproducts that had been previously produced by oxidation of polyunsaturated fats. This "test-tube" system did not have any of the protective mechanisms provided by living cells, such as cell membranes and cooperative antioxidant systems. As Blair said in media interviews, "Just because you damage DNA doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. The cell has an exquisite repair mechanism for lesions in the DNA."

We agree with the researcher that everyone should eat a diet with generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, natural sources of a wide variety of antioxidants. Further, we believe that vitamin C supplements may boost the benefits and certainly are safe.

Dr. John Hathcock, vice president, nutrition and regulatory science for the Council for Responsible Nutrition emphasizes, "The media should do its homework and put new scientific findings in their proper context. That kind of responsible journalism would help consumers, rather than cause confusion."

• Linus Pauling Institute Repsonse to Vitamin C Story

• Dr. Hathcock's Letter to the Tan Sheet

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is a science-based, trade association founded in 1973 and represents more than 100 companies in the dietary supplement industry, including ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices.